Operation Whirlwind of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted three fuel tankers laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) along the Owode-Apa, Seme and Badagry axis, reinforcing ongoing efforts to curb fuel diversion and cross-border smuggling.
The National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind, Deputy Comptroller ,Abubakar Lucky Aliyu, who represented the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, disclosed this on February 20, 2026, during the formal handover and auction ceremony held at the Customs Training College, Ikeja.
The intercepted tankers, bearing registration numbers T 21019 LA, T 9827 LA and T 3546 LA, were laden with 60,000 litres, 49,000 litres and 45,000 litres of PMS, respectively. He stated that the seizures were the result of intelligence driven operations and intensified surveillance across critical border corridors.
Within a period of nine weeks, operatives also intercepted 1,275 jerry cans of 25 litres each of PMS across Ado-Odo, Seme, Owode-Apa, Ajilete, Ijoun, Ilaro, Badagry, Idiroko, Eree and Imeko axis. The total volume amounted to 31,875 litres, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N31,875,000.
Aliyu explained that the transportation and movement of petroleum products are regulated by clearly defined Standard Operating Procedures aimed at preventing diversion, hoarding and economic sabotage. He emphasised that violations of these regulations undermine government policy and threaten national energy security.
In line with established inter agency collaboration frameworks, the intercepted tankers were formally handed over to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA)for appropriate sanctions and regulatory action.
He added that the seized 1,275 jerry cans of PMS would be auctioned to members of the public in accordance with extant regulations, underscoring the Service’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the disposal of seized items.
Aliyu also acknowledged the strategic support of the Office of the National Security Adviser(ONSA) under the leadership of Nuhu Ribadu, reaffirming that Operation Whirlwind remains intelligence driven and resolute in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.
The representative of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA),Mrs. Grace Dauda , in her remarks stressed that petroleum products are vital for Nigeria’s economic growth and social development, warning against attempts to smuggle them across borders.
She highlighted the collaboration between NMDPRA, NCS, ONSA, and the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation in intercepting illicit petroleum products and handing them over for regulatory action.
Dauda urged the press and public to act as ambassadors of the nation by spreading awareness that petroleum products should remain in Nigeria. She commended the National Coordinator of Operation Whirlwind for ensuring the success and integrity of the operation.
Barrister Abidemi Adewunmi, who represented the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, also warned that illegal dealings in petroleum products remain a grave threat to Nigeria’s economy and national security. She stated that the Federal Government is treating the issue with utmost seriousness, stressing that possession of petroleum products without proper authorization, as well as smuggling across Nigeria’s borders, constitutes a criminal offence.
She cautioned that offenders risk severe penalties, including life imprisonment under Section 17 of the Miscellaneous Offences Act. In addition, licenses of culpable operators may be revoked, while vehicles used in smuggling activities will be forfeited to the Federal Government. She urged the public to desist from such unlawful acts and support efforts to protect the nation’s economic stability and growth.
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